Miracle tree

People stand near a pine tree which survived the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, Sunday,March 11, 2012. On Sunday, Japan marks the one-year anniversary of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that triggered a nuclear crisis. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

'Miracle tree' removed from tsunami-ravaged city

•September 12, 2012

The tsunami-ravaged city of Rikuzentakata, Japan, cut down the lone pine tree that survived the disaster 18 months ago and came to symbolize hope, but there are plans to keep the preserved tree on display. (Sept. 12)